Computed tomography of bowel obstruction: tricks of the trade

Abstract

Bowel obstruction (BO) is a frequent cause of hospitalization and surgical consultation for acute abdominal pain. It is usually suspected at physical examination, but clinical and laboratory data are often nonspecific. Thus, computed tomography plays a crucial role in a correct diagnosis of BO. Indeed, computed tomography can confirm a diagnosis of BO, and identify the location and cause of the obstruction. In this review, the computed tomography appearances of common and uncommon causes of BO and pseudo-obstruction are reviewed.

Keywords:

• bowel obstruction
• bowel pseudo-obstruction
• Colon
• CT
• small bowel

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• Computed tomography is the modality of choice in patients with suspected bowel obstruction (BO).

• Computed tomography can identify the location and cause of the obstruction.

• Computed tomography differentiates BO from bowel pseudo-obstruction.

• Computed tomography identifies complications of BO.

• There is evidence that medical ionizing radiations may increase the risk of cancer.

• Exposure to medical ionizing should be reduced by minimizing computed tomography-related dose without compromising image quality.